Scottie Scheffler rolls to victory at Memorial for 3rd win of year

Scottie Scheffler rolls to victory at Memorial for 3rd win of year
Scottie Scheffler, right, holds the trophy as he poses for a photo with his wife Meredith, second from right, and son Bennett, center, and Jack, left, and Barbara Nicklaus, second from left, after winning the Memorial golf tournament Sunday in Dublin, Ohio. (AP)
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Updated 02 June 2025
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Scottie Scheffler rolls to victory at Memorial for 3rd win of year

Scottie Scheffler rolls to victory at Memorial for 3rd win of year
  • At 10-under 278 for the tournament, Scheffler secured a four-shot victory over Ben Griffin — the only other golfer to win a PGA Tour event that Scheffler started in the past month
  • Scheffler and Tiger Woods are the only back-to-back winners of the Memorial Tournament

DUBLIN, Ohio: Scottie Scheffler showed once again that he’s ready to conquer whatever challenge he’s faced with on the PGA Tour.

The world’s No. 1 golfer had another smooth round and won for the third time in his last four tournaments, successfully defending his title at the Memorial Tournament with Sunday’s 2-under-par 70 in the final round at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.

“This is a golf course that is definitely going to expose your weaknesses,” Scheffler said. “Did some really good battling today. ... Put up another really good round on this very difficult golf course.”

At 10-under 278 for the tournament, Scheffler secured a four-shot victory over Ben Griffin — the only other golfer to win a PGA Tour event that Scheffler started in the past month.

Scheffler hadn’t won in 2025 until capturing the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which is considered his hometown event in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and followed that with claiming the PGA Championship. He won seven times in 2024.

Scheffler and Tiger Woods are the only back-to-back winners of the Memorial Tournament. It’s a tournament hosted by legendary Jack Nicklaus, who greeted the current champion as he walked off the green.

“It’s pretty cool,” Scheffler said. “It’s always a hard week. It’s so challenging to play this tournament.”

Much like on Saturday, Scheffler was content with pars as he played the front nine in 1 under with eight pars.

Griffin (73 on Sunday) led for large chunks of the first three days, but lost a share of the top spot with a bogey on Saturday’s final hole. He began Sunday with another bogey, and he was 2 over for the day through 13 holes.

“I’ll learn from some of my swings down the stretch,” Griffin said. “I’ll remember some of the good stuff, and I’ll bounce back and get right back to it.”

An eagle on the par-5 15th with a 12-foot putt followed by a birdie on No. 16 allowed Griffin to extend the suspense. Then the margin went from two strokes to four when Griffin was stuck with a double bogey at No. 17.

“We battled really hard on the weekend,” Scheffler said. “Ben made things interesting down the stretch. Overall, it was a great week.”

A week ago, Scheffler tied for fourth place as Griffin won the Charles Schwab Challenge. Scheffler has secured seven consecutive top-10 finishes.

“The guy’s relentless,” said Sepp Straka, the tournament’s third-place finisher from Austria. “He loves competition, and he doesn’t like giving up shots.”

Griffin said his putting was costly during the weekend. The runner-up spot didn’t seem as rewarding as it would have in previous years.

“I’d take this finish, like, a year ago, two years ago, three years ago,” he said. “I’m definitely a little disappointed to not have made it a little bit closer or gotten it done.”

Straka (70) was third at 5 under and second-round co-leader Nick Taylor of Canada (73) finished fourth at 4 under. Russell Henley (71) and Maverick McNealy (70) shared fifth place at 2 under.

Brandt Snedeker’s 65 was the best score of the final round, moving him to 1 under and into a five-way tie for seventh place.

“I think I probably made 200 feet of putts today,” Snedeker said. “I had the putter working. When you have days like that, it’s just get it on the green, give yourself a chance.”

Also in that cluster at 7 under was Rickie Fowler (73), who qualified for next month’s British Open as a result of his finishing spot.

“We’re heading the right way,” Fowler said. “This week still could have been a lot better, but definitely positive is going over to Portrush. That’s one I’ve wanted on the schedule.” 


Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025

Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025
Updated 26 sec ago
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Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025

Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025
  • Jabeur, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022 and 2023, beat the fourth-seeded Paolini 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open
  • Paolini was playing for the first time since winning the French Open doubles title with fellow Italian Sara Errani
BERLIN: Last year’s Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini got off to a losing start in her first grass-court match of 2025, a straight-sets loss to Ons Jabeur.
Jabeur, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022 and 2023, beat the fourth-seeded Paolini 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open on Wednesday after the Italian had a first-round bye.
Jabeur could face 2023 Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova or Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Paolini was playing for the first time since winning the French Open doubles title with fellow Italian Sara Errani. Paolini lost to Elina Svitolina in the fourth round of the French Open singles.

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game
Updated 59 min 32 sec ago
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Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game
  • Squad greeted by Saudi Arabia’s Consul General in Houston Shafi Al-Otaibi.
  • Hassan Kadesh and Mohannad Al-Saad continued recovery work, guided by the team’s medical staff

AUSTIN: The Saudi national football team has touched down in Austin, Texas, and is now in the final stretch of its preparations for Thursday night’s highly anticipated Concacaf Gold Cup game against the United States at Q2 Stadium.

Arriving from San Diego late Tuesday, the squad was greeted by Saudi Arabia’s Consul General in Houston, Shafi Al-Otaibi. Saudi Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal extending his thanks to the consulate for their hospitality and the smooth coordination of arrival logistics.

Once settled, the Green Falcons got straight to work. Under the watchful eye of head coach Herve Renard, the team trained at St. Edward’s University. The session featured a mix of warm-ups, and a short game on half the pitch, before winding down with stretching routines.

Injury updates came from the sidelines, where Hassan Kadesh and Mohannad Al-Saad continued their recovery work individually, guided by the team’s medical staff.

Saudi Arabia will hold one final training session on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. local time, again at St. Edward’s. The opening 15 minutes will be open to the media.


PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise

PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise
Updated 18 June 2025
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PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise

PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise
  • Al- Hattan Al-Saif: ‘I don’t care who I’m facing — I’m ready for anyone’

The heat is rising ahead of the much-anticipated showdown in the Professional Fighters League MENA, as Saudi fighter Hattan Al-Saif and Lebanese contender Nour Fleyti exchanged fiery statements that set the stage for an electrifying bout scheduled for July 4 at the Green Halls in Riyadh.

Speaking at the official pre-fight press conference, both fighters exuded confidence and determination, making it clear this is more than just a match — it is a clash of wills.

Al-Saif said: “I don’t care who I’m facing — I’m ready for anyone.”

She dismissed any concerns about her opponent, and added that victory in combat sports is not accidental but the result of relentless dedication.

“Winning doesn’t happen by chance — it’s a result of continuous hard work and commitment,” she said. “I’m prepared for any opponent. Every fight requires a different strategy.”

When asked about criticism of Arab women in combat sports, Al-Saif responded firmly: “I don’t pay attention to outdated opinions. I’m doing what I love and chasing my goal.”

Fleyti said: “I love surprises — watch my answer inside the cage.”

She expressed her excitement to finally step into the PFL MENA cage, describing it as a long-awaited opportunity.

“I respect Hattan as a fighter,” she said, adding: “But she’ll be facing me — and I’m stronger. I will surprise everyone inside that cage.”

Fleyti promised a thrilling performance: “Expect a fun fight. I don’t find fighting difficult — I enjoy every second of it.”

A battle of pride and passion awaits as the two fighters prepare to face off.

With Al-Saif’s unwavering confidence and Fleyti’s bold promises, Riyadh is set for a showdown that transcends sport. One question remains: Who will prove to be the stronger force inside the cage?

The answer awaits on July 4.


Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener

Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener
Updated 18 June 2025
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Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener

Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener
  • Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14
  • Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan

Hosts England will kick off their 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12 while holders New Zealand begin their title defense against the West Indies a day later, the International Cricket Council said on Wednesday.

Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, two-times runners-up South Africa, 2020 finalists India and Pakistan, as well as two teams from the Global Qualifier tournament.

New Zealand, 2009 champions England, Sri Lanka, 2016 winners West Indies and the other two teams from the Global Qualifier are in Group 2.

The top two teams from Group 1 and Group 2 will advance to the semifinals of the biennial T20 international tournament, which will be contested by 12 teams for the first time.

“World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different – it has the potential to be truly game-changing,” England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said in a statement.

“Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world, it’s going to be unmissable. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14.

Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, Bristol County Ground and Lord’s are the other venues.

The final will take place at Lord’s on July 5.


Not even FIFA could get Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup

Not even FIFA could get Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup
Updated 12 min 33 sec ago
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Not even FIFA could get Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup

Not even FIFA could get Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup
  • Given his connection to Saudi Arabia, rumors began to circulate about a move to Al-Hilal ahead of the tournament

MIAMI GARDENS: In the end, not even being the face of the Saudi Pro League or Gianni Infantino could engineer a way to get Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup.
FIFA president Infantino certainly tried — last month making a public appeal ahead of the tournament.


“If any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup ...,” he teased during an interview with YouTuber iShowSpeed.


Ronaldo’s contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr was due to expire and FIFA’s decision to create a specially-made mini transfer window for its newest competition meant the path was clear for the Real Madrid great to sign a short-term deal with a new team just in time to take part.


Given his connection to Saudi Arabia, rumors began to circulate about a move to Al-Hilal — the country’s most successful team and its sole representative at the Club World Cup.


The problem was that Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr are cross-city rivals in Riyadh. And even if Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund majority owns both teams — along with others — that was a step too far.


“As much as I respect Ronaldo as a huge player, as we all recognize he is, it’s certainly completely counter-intuitive that you bring the biggest player of your biggest opponent to play with you,” Al-Hilal chief executive Esteve Calzada told the BBC. “Even more when it’s only for three to four weeks.”


Maybe so, but Saudi Arabia has a made habit out of turning the improbable into the possible. It has, after all, already changed the face of golf and virtually cornered the market for big time boxing. F1 racing is a fixed event and top class tennis has been lured, as well.


It’s ambitions in soccer have been the most spectacular of all — winning the right to host the 2034 World Cup, buying one of the Premier League’s most iconic teams in Newcastle and luring a slew of superstar players to a league that has nothing like the profile of those in Europe or Latin America.


The Club World Cup is the chance for Saudi Arabia to make a latest statement on the international stage in its first chance test one of its elite clubs against the best from around the globe — starting with 15-time European champion Real Madrid at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday.


That is why it is surprising there wasn’t more of a push to furnish Al-Hilal with the type of marquee signing Saudi Arabian clubs have been collecting since Ronaldo’s move opened the floodgates at the end of 2022.


The four-time Asian champion even released Brazil great Neymar in January after an ACL injury reduced him to just seven appearances following his $94 million move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.


A move was made for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes just before the Club World Cup, but the Portugal midfielder rejected the offer. There was also reported interest in striker Victor Osimhen and Darwin Nunez, though no major deals were secured before the team flew out to the United States.


“The club is working in order to improve the team, and I believe this will be done. Now it’s pointless to talk about market because the market is closed,” coach Simone Inzaghi Tuesday. And he still has big money recruits from overseas in the form of players like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joao Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Neves.


But the significant acquisition made ahead of the tournament was Inzaghi himself, who left Italian giant Inter Milan earlier this month to become arguably the highest profile coach to head to Saudi Arabia.


“My ambition, the ambition of the club, is to try to grow more, to try to make Al Hilal become one of the best football clubs,” he said. “I believe the time has come to get out of my comfort zone.”
In a sense, Saudi Arabia is shaking soccer out of its comfort zone.



Madrid is the biggest powerhouse in the world’s most popular sport — its most successful and most storied team. Soccer, however, is witnessing an undoubted powershift and Saudi Arabia is a coming force.


“Sometimes we just focus on what’s going on in Europe, and we think there’s nothing else beyond Europe. We’re too focused on Europe,” Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said.